Archives for July 2016

Several ways exist through which the energy efficiency of your sash windows can be increased. This can be achieved by either repairing worn out sash windows or through the installation of secondary glazing. This is also applicable in other window types. Below are examples of steps that can be taken to make sash windows more energy efficient.

Excessive draught can be caused by window frames that do not fit properly, and with time this can lead to wooden frames becoming warped. Nowadays a large number of companies, (recommended SMSashes) undertake the repair of the frames of sash windows, which can, to a large extent, decrease heat loss.

Draughts can also be eliminated through the installation of draught-proofing strips. When these two steps are taken, the infiltration of air into the home can be decreased by up to 90%, this is according to a research conducted by Historic England (formerly English Heritage) and Glasgow Caledonian University.

The research also revealed that more than 33% of heat loss due to the glass itself can be eradicated by using close-fitting roller blinds or heavy curtains.
Installing secondary glazing gives window frames an extra layer of glass, which makes it possible for the original window to be retained without any detrimental modification. According to tests carried out by the Glasgow Caledonian University, this decreases loss of heat by up to 60%, and when properly designed, it is possible for it to be reversed.

On the contrary, double-glazing inevitably leads to the loss of the previous windows. This could be very detrimental to the nature of one’s home, especially if the new windows follow a pattern different from that of the original windows.
If your home happens to be listed, Historic England will likely be against the removal or even modification of symbolic windows due to their significance.

In order to keep the home warm at night, sash windows were frequently made to contain internal shutters. However, the advent of low-cost heating in the 20th century led to the discontinuation of internal shutters. They were either removed completely or painted for aesthetic purposes.
These original shutters were not just aesthetically pleasing, but could also act as double glazing. It will be great to order for new shutters to be installed if they are absent from your window, or, if they happen to be present, you could have them fixed.

Original sash windows give a remarkable look to a building, and the cost of replacing them is very exorbitant.
Superior timber was used in making genuine timber windows; and these windows are not easy to find today. It is therefore not a bright idea to needlessly replace such windows without any consideration.
Furthermore, a significant amount of energy is used up in the process of manufacturing new plastic windows which have a useful life of about 20 years, and inevitably become landfill once they’re no longer useful.
You can enhance the energy efficiency of your sash windows by applying one or a combination of these steps stated above, and it will help you decrease your expense on energy as well as maintain that unique and remarkable look of your building.
It may be necessary to obtain permission before some of these works can be carried out, especially if your building is listed. The local planning authority can be contacted for clarification and avoidance of doubt.